Questions for your hospital visit

Visiting the hospital where you plan to have your baby? Here's what to ask.

As part of the antenatal build-up to the delivery of your baby, you may be offered a tour of the hospital. It’s an opportunity well worth taking – and make sure you take your birth partner with you.

Not only will you be able to see first-hand where you are likely to give birth, but you’ll also get the chance to ask questions.

Not sure what to ask? Think about the following:

Parking procedures, shopping and catering arrangements
Admissions procedures – who to call, where should you report to
What to bring, and what you’re not allowed to bring
What to bring for your newborn baby
Visiting hours, numbers of visitors allowed
Are private rooms available? Do you have to pay for them?
Number of beds per ward
Are babies kept next to mums?
How the hospital deals with birth plans
What is the hospital policy on inductions: when might they decide to induce?
Number of babies born, intervention and Caesarean rates
Who will deliver your baby?
Availability of birthing pools
Shower/washing facilities
Types of pain relief available. Can you use natural remedies during labour, can you bring a complementary therapist?
What type of fetal monitoring do they use?
What happens to you and your baby after the birth
What support is available for breastfeeding?
Ask to see the special-care baby unit. What will happen if your baby needs special care?
What is the procedure if you need a Caesarean?